Local Government Re-organisation Proposals
There is still time to have your say!
There is still time to have your say!
The Parish Council feels it's of vital importance that all residents of the parish and beyond are made fully aware of, and understand, Government's proposals to reorganise our Local Government.
Therefore we have outlined below where 'we' are in terms of the Local Government reorganisation which will see both the District and County Councils disappear (shortly!)
What does Local Government Reorganisation mean in Devon?
Devon currently has 11 different authorities delivering services for residents. They include:
Devon County Council
Eight district councils, including North Devon Council
Two unitary authorities (Plymouth and Torbay)
Under the proposals, these will be reorganised to create new unitary authorities which will deliver all council services within their area. It does mean that the current structure of District Councils (including North Devon) and Devon County Council will be replaced.
Town and Parish Councils are not included in this reorganisation so will continue to exist with the potential for more powers/responsibilities to be devolved down to these lower tiers of local government once a final model has been established.
Can councils opt out of this process?
No. All councils must follow the roadmap that is mandated in December’s White Paper and ‘no change’ is not an option.
The Government has been clear that it wants all small unitaries and two-tier areas to bring forward proposals for reorganisation. It intends to deliver this process as quickly as possible, including through legislation, where it becomes necessary to ensure progress.
Who will have the final say?
The final decision on proposals for local government reorganisation will be taken by the Government.
Council leaders are responsible for holding discussions between different local authority areas, to help produce full proposals by 28 November 2025. These proposals must also be supported by evidence and widespread engagement. It will then be down to the Government to consult.
Other than working together to bring forward plans and proposals for their area, councils will not get a say in the Government’s final decision.
What has happened so far?
Following the publication of the English Devolution White Paper, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, issued a statutory invitation to all councils in two-tier areas and small neighbouring unitary authorities to develop their unitary proposals and outline plans to bring together lower and upper tier local government services in new unitary councils.
Initially, the District Councils collectively sought a different solution to that proposed by the County Council with little communication between them.
A joint outline proposal (known as an interim plan) was submitted on behalf of all the Devon District Councils, except Exeter (& not the County Council), in March 2025. The proposal was however included as one of several different options submitted by both Torbay Council and Devon County Council.
Known as the 1-4-5 plan, the District Council plan proposed:
A unitary authority including East, Mid, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter.
Retaining Plymouth unitary authority.
A unitary authority combining the South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon areas with Torbay.
North Devon Council itself submitted an interim plan which incorporated support for the proposal but also outlined the importance of reflecting the unique cultural, community and historic identity of North Devon. That interim plan highlighted the possibility of a more northern Devon focussed model but made clear that they would take into account all evidence and data before reaching any conclusions.
Multiple other proposals were also submitted to the Government by Plymouth, Exeter, Devon County Council and Torbay as these Councils had a different vision for the future of Devon.
Where are we today?
Recently, all councils across Devon have now worked together towards refining the possible options for the future of local government for final proposals to be submitted to Government in November 2025.
This has culminated in the following statement released by Devon County Council on 28th July:
Council leaders across Devon have joined forces to call for the creation of a South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), representing 1.2 million residents and an economy worth over £25 billion a year.
The Leaders of Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council and District Councils across Devon have written jointly to Government ministers to further develop enhanced powers and funding for the whole county of Devon through a comprehensive devolution agreement.
The proposed South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority would replace the existing Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and create what the leaders describe as an “economic powerhouse” capable of accelerating the Government’s growth mission.
Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, said:
“This is about giving our communities the tools they need to thrive. A mayoral strategic authority would unlock our region’s exceptional potential in environmental intelligence, marine innovation and clean energy. We have world-class research institutions and innovative business clusters that, working together under local leadership, can position the UK as a global leader in these critical sectors.”
The leaders emphasise that their approach remains inclusive, with the door remaining open for Cornwall Council to join the authority in future. They highlight the region’s combined strengths spanning environmental assets, research capacity, tourism, advanced manufacturing and clean energy sectors.
Key priorities for the proposed South West Peninsula MSA include:
Maximising the region’s environmental and marine innovation potential
Creating an integrated transport network connecting rural, coastal and urban communities
Developing coordinated skills provision for key growth sectors
Addressing housing affordability and availability
Supporting national defence infrastructure at Devonport dockyard
The joint letter represents a significant step forward in Devon’s local government reorganisation discussions, with the leaders committed to working at pace with Government officials to develop their proposals further.
Have Your Say!
Although the above statement has been issued, both North Devon Council and Devon County Council are carrying out their own public consultations on the proposals for the reorganisation of local government here in Devon.
Both consultations can be easily accessed online from the homepage of each Councils website:
www.devon.gov.uk (survey ends 14th October)
www.northdevon.gov.uk (survey ended 31st August)
Devon County Council will be on the road visiting towns and locations across Devon to talk residents about local government reorganisation.
They will be in South Molton on Thursday 9 October, 9 - 11am Southley Road, South Molton (opposite South Molton central car park). There will be an opportunity to have your say and share your thoughts and views. It's also an opportunity for those who prefer not to use our digital forms to get involved.
All details can be found on the Devon County Council website.
